Rocketeers relieved Warhawks at Kadena

On 8 April 2023, a dozen F-15E Strike Eagles from the 4th Fighter Wing, normally based at Seymour Johnson AFB (NC), arrived at Kadena Air Base (Japan) to take over the tasks of the F-16CM Fighting Falcons from Spangdahlem's 480th Fighter Squadron Warhawks.

Initially, it was thought that the Spangdahlem Fighting Falcons were intended to stay longer at Kadena and would operate alongside the current deployed Alaskan F-35A Lightning IIs. On 10 April 2023, after being deployed for some three months, most of the Warhawks arrived back on German soil.

Although most of the Strike Eagle contingent at Kadena are made up from Seymour Johnson's 336th Fighter Squadron Rocketeers, the F-15Es are drawn from every squadron within the Wing.

The past years, the 4th Fighter Wing saw always providing a mix while being deployed. The SJ coded Strike Eagles are based at Kadena to ensure a continuous fighter presence while there is a phased return of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the Continental United States (CONUS).

While deployed to the "Keystone of the Pacific", the Strike Eagles will work in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II aircraft deployed from Eielson Air Force Base and the remaining F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.

The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather.

Photos via USAF / credit patch: https://flightlineinsignia.com